Admission Decision Help: GMU, GWU, & MU.

[V_for_Vixen]

Hello everyone! I am new to allnurses, but have read several threads over the last few months.

I have gotten accepted into three accelerated BSN programs (I already have a B.A.) that all sound great, which is the reason why I'm having so much trouble deciding. I have gotten into:

George Mason University

Marymount University

George Washington University

Basically, I just wanted some opinions or prior experiences from past students. I want to go to a great school with a program that has caring staff. I don't want to be another number. I know this coming year is going to be hard, but I really don't want to go to a "pressure-cooker" school that's just waiting to cut my line or a program that's so crazy stressful that I won't be able to focus because of the thousands of tests I need to study for and things I need to do. I'm so worried!

Here's my list, please let me know what you think. Also, I am including things I've heard, not my personal opinion.

George Mason University

• 
  
• Better commute--I live in Falls Church
  
• Wayyyyyyyy cheaper--20,000
  
• Shorter--12 months vs GWU's and MU's 16 months
  
• 
  
• Crazy intensive since it's only 3 semesters
  
• Not ranked as high as GWU
  
• 77% NCLEX passing rate for 2013
  
• Heard it's disorganized and there's a definite lack of communication between faculty and students
  
• Uncaring staff
  
• Just another number
  

George Washington University

• 
  
• Possible (but unlikely) entry to their W2 program--50% tuition paid and job after graduation
  
• 12 credits are transferable to their masters program
  
• Well-known and respected school
  
• Organized
  
• Caring staff
  
• 
  
• 50,000
  
• LONG commute
  
• 88% NCLEX passing rate for 2013
  
• Very easy to get dropped from the program
  
• Pressure-cooker--know a girl who had a 4.0 and went to GW's accelerated program and is now getting B's and C's.
  

Marymount University

• 
  
• Close to home
  
• Responsive staff
  
• Organized
  
• Great clinical sites
  
• Less pressure
  
• Higher NCLEX rates than both other schools
  
• 
  
• Not as recognized as GMU and GWU
  
• Same price as GWU
  

I look forward to reading some great advise/opinions and about your experiences during these programs!! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

[lkv246]

Congrats! I was warned about about Marymount. Some people transfer out because they do not like the set up. Find someone who went there and ask about their experience. As for GMU I heard some jobs do not care for the fact it's only 1 year program. GWU is probably your best choice! Don't let that girls grades deter you! Most students in nursing programs have As more Bs and a few Cs. Very normal. Good luck!

[Mindylane]

I am graduating from GWU in May. Feel free to message me with any questions.

The major comment I want to leave here is that it's NOT easy to get dropped from GWU's program, at all.

[hanoi98]

I would definitely go with GWU among the three.

[Morjayne4]

Hey V for Vixen congratulations! I was also accepted to GMU and GW and it's been a tough decision. Have you eventually figured out which one you're going to attend? What helped you decide? Thanks!

[Britd1234]

Hi there! I was accepted to GWU on Monday, and am super excited because it's one of my top choices. I will likely not hear back from any other schools before my decision/deposit deadline, so I want to make sure I am confident with my choice before dropping $500. I would love to get your insight on the program! What are the pros/cons in your opinion? Also, I assume you have graduated by now, so congrats!

[Britd1234]

I am graduating from GWU in May. Feel free to message me with any questions.

The major comment I want to leave here is that it's NOT easy to get dropped from GWU's program, at all.

Hi there! I was accepted to GWU on Monday, and am super excited because it's one of my top choices. I will likely not hear back from any other schools before my decision/deposit deadline, so I want to make sure I am confident with my choice before dropping $500. I would love to get your insight on the program! What are the pros/cons in your opinion? Also, I assume you have graduated by now, so congrats!

[Mindylane]

Hey, thanks. Feel free to PM me with questions :)

[Britd1234]

I tried PMing you but I think that feature is disabled for me since I'm fairly new [emoji53]

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

I would seriously go with the better commute! Lol. A long commute for too many years around that area made me nearly homicidal behind the wheel. I know people who graduated from GMU, they are excellent nurses. :) It was a few years ago, but if you are prepared for that level of intensity, I would go for it.

[lgl525]

I just graduated from MU. I essentially attended due to location, as the previous poster mentioned. I was happy with the experience.

If you stay in this area, the MU name is well known and has a great reputation. Most of my cohort have done very very well on their job searches if they did well in school. If you leave the area, the school is not well known and the GW name would likely serve you far better.